Explore 圧 in physical measurements and in pressure people exert or feel.

The idea

圧 has five strokes and is read あつ in these compounds: 気圧（きあつ）, 血圧（けつあつ） and 圧力（あつりょく）. Learn each reading with the complete word; use the linked diagram for stroke order.

Patterns to compare
WordReadingExample in context
気圧きあつAir pressure decreases at high altitudes.
血圧けつあつThe nurse measured my blood pressure.
圧力あつりょくI felt pressure before the exam.
空気圧くうきあつPlease check the tire pressure.

Examples

  • 高たかい場所ばしょでは、気圧きあつが下さがります。Air pressure decreases at high altitudes.
  • 看護師かんごしが私わたしの血圧けつあつを測はかりました。The nurse measured my blood pressure.
  • 試験しけんの前まえに圧力あつりょくを感かんじました。I felt pressure before the exam.
  • 会社かいしゃは取引先とりひきさきに圧力あつりょくをかけました。The company put pressure on the supplier.
  • 低気圧ていきあつが日本にほんに近ちかづいています。A low-pressure system is approaching Japan.
  • タイヤの空気圧くうきあつを確認かくにんしてください。Please check the tire pressure.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

圧力 can mean physical or social pressure; context decides. 気圧 is atmospheric pressure, whereas 空気圧 can also refer to pressure inside a tire.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 血圧 in hiragana.

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    けつあつ

    血圧 is けつあつ: 血 means blood and 圧 indicates pressure.

  2. Write the reading of 圧力 in hiragana.

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    あつりょく

    圧力 is あつりょく. It can describe pressure felt before an exam or exerted on someone.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: 気＿（きあつ）［圧／土］.

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    圧

    圧 completes 気圧（きあつ）, atmospheric pressure; 土 alone does not form this word.

Use it today

Write 圧 following the diagram, then cover the readings and read 血圧 and 圧力. Make a sentence with either word.